In 1 Rupee get smartphone data pack

New Delhi, Feb 7 Homegrown messaging app Hike Messenger on Wednesday partnered with telecom service provider Airtel to embed its "Total" service on mobile phones under the latter's "Mera Pehla Smartphone" programme.

"Users can access services such as messaging, news and recharge without an active data connection and get online with access to data packs for as low as Re 1 with Hike's 'Total' service," the company claimed.

Starting March 2018, select smartphones under the "Mera Pehla Smartphone" initiative will be shipped with "Total" as a pre-installed feature.

"First-time users will find it easy to understand and navigate a smartphone. Using data is also simplified and 'Total' users can get online with special data packs starting at Re 1," Kavin Bharti Mittal, Founder and CEO, Hike, said in a statement.

Launched in October 2017, Airtel has partnered with several mobile handset makers to bring bundled 4G smartphones at affordable prices under the "Mera Pehla Smartphone" programme.